23 replies to this topic

[Waffs1984]

No i never scrimp on brakes but they are the only ones they stock?

Another related question - the adjuster screw, does this actually wind in/out as you turn it as mine seems to just spin round making the shoes go in-out-in-out by about +/- 2/3mm...

[Jake Blues]

You can unscrew it all the way out.......looks like we may have found your problem!!!!

[Waffs1984]

Ah... i thought it wasn't right!

OK i shall have a proper look at the adjuster screws sometime this week and clarify if this is indeed the problem. If its a stripped thread am i looking at new backplates?

[GraemeC]

Yes. But which way are you turning it?

It should be fitted from the drum side and then screwed as far through as it will go - ie turning the square shaft anticlockwise (to loosen the brakes).

[Jake Blues]

If its a stripped thread am i looking at new backplates?

Not necessarily.....it depends on where/how the thread is damaged...(new adjusters are available and make life a lot easier in the future!!...might be worth doing both sides..)

[GraemeC]

OK, not necessarily but it is much more likely that the thread will be damaged in the backplate than on the adjuster body by virtue of the backplate being softer, pressed steel with a cut thread and the threaded section in the backplate being very short.
With this in mind it is also very unlikely you could reclaim a damaged thread in the backplate (if you knew what the thread form was and could get a suitable tap anyway).

Another thought - you do have the 'wedges' in the correct way up?

[Waffs1984]

Well i had the Haynes out and it said to turn the adjuster clockwise when facing the rear of the backplate (so clockwise when facing the drum which agrees with what you're saying GraemeC) which is what i was doing. Maybe i just have not turned it enough times as i was thinking it was just an eccentric cam that had two adjustment positions.

What should i see when turning the adjuster?

Edited by Waffs1984, 03 November 2009 - 11:56 AM.

[GraemeC]

It isn't just a cam, it is more like a pyramid - pointed with 4 flat sides. As you unscrew it the 'wedges' can get closer and closer together and hence allow the shoes to move in further.

Unscrew it as far as you can. Without the drum in place you should be able to see the point of the adjuster and watch it move as you unscrew it.

[andyapanel]

I had exactly this problem 2 years ago when I tried fitting quality shoes from Minispares(I think they were Ferodos-a good make any way). I thought I had lost it after 30 years of doing the job. Eventually I compared the new with the old and the steel was different. The part that engages top and bottom was several mm too big. It was easily rectified with a grinder. So check the new ones against the old-you never know.